This was the quintessential end of season match – two teams in mid table with no threats below or objectives above – playing out a deserved draw. Even the return of Ginola and the great reception he got from the crowd will probably not save this match from being forgotten by the middle of next week.

Today, hopefully was all about Hoddle learning that Korsten is no good and the players learning his tactical systems. Spurs were again without Rebrov, King, Perry, Freund, Campbell, Taricco, Thatcher, Anderton, Armstrong and Iversen, so a point and a clean sheet against a team we do not have a good record against is not too bad.

Spurs used two tactical formations during the game. We started with the Christmas tree formation used to good effect at Anfield the week before with a core three-man midfield supported by two wide midfield/forward players supporting the lone striker. This changed at times during the second half to the 4-1-4-1 formation used by the Portuguese to great effect during Euro2000, with Sherwood (w)anchoring a conventional four man midfield, picking up the runs of the ever dangerous gooner scum Merson, who was called as Paul Merton when the teams were announced.

On an afternoon that varied between bright sunshine and showers, Spurs attacked the Park Lane as usual in the first half. Both teams had half chances in the opening 10 minutes – Gardner had to be alert to clear the ball when the lively Vassell was threatening, while at the other end a rare positive moment from Korsten resulted in a good deep cross for Clemence, who’s decent header was no trouble for James.

Spurs enjoyed their best period of the match in the first half and were threatening again when a Carr cross from midway inside the Villa half was met by Ferdinand, but although he headed powerfully, he could not keep his effort down and it went about a foot over the crossbar. Soon after it was Carr again the provider, as he slipped a pass through to Leo about 10 yards from goal, but a mixture of not being able to get the ball under control and an alert goalkeeper meant that his shot was blocked, while Villa defenders cleared the rebound for a corner.

Just before the half hour mark, Ferdinand missed the best chance of the match. A patient move involving Korsten, Leo, Carr and finally Davies resulted in the young Welshman getting in a fine cross which beat all the Villa defenders and arrived at Ferdinand at the back post with James stranded. Rather than guide the ball in with his left, Les chose to use his right and managed to balloon the ball over the bar from about 5 yards with the goal open. While it was not as easy as it looked, Les made it harder for himself by “doing an Armo” and using his right when the situation demanded that he use his left.

Villa had sporadic attacks in the half, mainly through the lively pair of Merson and Vassell, but most were dealt with comfortably by the “Ant & Doc” (© topspurs.com) show at the back, and Sully even managed to get away with dropping a cross without any harm.

At halftime, the prospect of another goalless 45 minutes seemed the most likely outcome. With Korsten deteriorating in the match – I hoped we’d get to see more than a 10 minute cameo of Etherington, but unfortunately the lanky Dutchman ambled out for the second half.

Spurs made a tactical change for the second half, with Sherwood staying deeper to keep an eye on Merson and Davies and Clemence pushing on to create a 4-1-4-1 structure. Maybe, nothing changed and this was just down to Sherwood’s lack of pace meaning he was always behind the rest of the midfield. At least with him deeper he had less opportunity to pass the ball backwards, although he tried his hardest.

During the rest of the match, Villa began to get into the game more and more as Spurs seemed to run out of ideas and a couple of chances fell to Taylor, as well as Vassell. Despite losing our way in the match, we were robbed of the most blatant penalty you are ever likely to see. A nothing ball was sent forward and Wright shepherded it away from a Spurs player, but clearly controlled the ball with his arm as he entered the box. Everybody was going mad – the lino did n’t move and the ref was possibly either too far away or too stupid to give the obvious penalty. The ref, like Villa’s Wright was a short baldie, and had a shocking match with a mixture of inconsistent and bad decisions.

This decision could have been seen in a worse light a few minutes after when Merson was released by Boeteng on the right hand side of the box with a clear run on goal. His shot was well saved by Sully, and as the rebound bounced out Young jumped over the ball to stop himself hitting it in his own net, before blocking Vassell’s follow up on the goal line with Sully beaten for once. A great escape.

Both teams used two subs with around 10 minutes to go – unfortunately Korsten remained on the pitch as Ethers was introduced too late to have any effect on the game, while Gregory gave the crowd what they wanted with the introduction of Ginola. One wag shouted “Come on Carr, you’ve got no one to tackle you now”, but the game petered out for a draw.

Sullivan (6/10) – Not have too much to do and did manage to drop a cross in the first half, but more than made up for it with a good save at the end

Carr (6/10) – Another solid if not spectacular performance

Gardner (7/10) – Looked a class act in all aspects of his game and must be high up in the pecking order as Sol’s regular partner

Doherty (7/10) – A good display at the back and also played well when he replaced Les up front

Young (6/10) – Getting more confident at left back and produced more attacks down this side of the pitch than Carr on the other side, and also managed a match saving clearance off the line near the end

Sherwood (5/10) – Better than some of the rubbish he has served up this year and he looks more at home in the withdrawn midfield role, but gave the ball away/passed backwards far too often and is too slow for the Premiership these days

Clemence (5/10) – Gave 100% but not much came off and let his frustration show with a few late tackles

Davies (5/10) – Did ok for someone learning his way in the premiership, but needs to add the all round element to his game to link up all of his “good bits”

Korsten (4/10) – A complete shambles of a performance, walking about and not getting involved and then cocking up when he had possession. Of all the greats that Dutch football has produced and we end up with him!

Leonhardsen (5/10) – Ran hard and got into some good positions in the box, but did not do enough in the midfield.

Ferdinand (6/10) – Missed a sitter but generally did ok, with little support